Upcoming “Tiangong Class” to Inspire Hong Kong and Macao Students in Aerospace Science Education

“Tiangong Class” Hong Kong and Macao Designated Session enhances Hong Kong and Macao youths’ understanding of aerospace science and national aerospace achievements

A government spokesman announced today (September 5) that a “Tiangong Class” Hong Kong and Macao Designated Session will be held soon. This will be a valuable aerospace science education activity, allowing students to watch live demonstrations of science experiments conducted in the unique environment of space, with a view to enhancing their knowledge of aerospace science and stimulating their interest in learning. Students can also learn from the three astronauts of the Shenzhou-23 crew, who are currently carrying out a manned space mission at the Tiangong Space Station, thereby building their aspirations, encouraging them to be daring to explore, further cultivating their patriotism and strengthening national identity.

The “Tiangong Class” activity, jointly organised by the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR) Government, the Macao SAR Government, and the China Manned Space Agency, includes an expert lecture, an in-orbit demonstration and a student question-and-answer session. It aims to vividly showcase the unique environment of space and the allure of space science and technology to the young people of Hong Kong and Macao. The Shenzhou-23 crew will conduct an exciting demonstration of science experiments for participating Hong Kong and Macao students at the Tiangong Space Station, engaging in a rare “dialogue between space and Earth”. The Education Bureau will arrange for teachers and students in primary and secondary schools to watch the live broadcast on campuses on the day of the event.

Under the theme of “A Shared Cosmic Vision for National Rejuvenation”, the HKSAR Government, in collaboration with various relevant organisations, has launched a series of popular science education and publicity events to provide members of the public with more opportunities to learn about the stellar achievements of the country’s aerospace technology development and the HKSAR’s contributions to the national space endeavours. It aims to inspire young people to engage in the field of innovation and technology (I&T) through various activities, with a view to nurturing more I&T talent for the country and the HKSAR, better integrating into and serving the overall national development, and making greater contributions to building a strong nation and achieving national rejuvenation.

The spokesman said: “China’s manned space programme continues to achieve significant successes. As a national-level space laboratory, the Chinese Space Station not only serves asa vital platform for conducting research in space science, space technology and space applications, but also provides valuable educational resources for young people to learn about cutting-edge technologies, explore the unknown and study science. The ‘Tiangong Class’ Hong Kong and Macao Designated Session builds a bridge for learning and exploration connecting Earth and space, guiding young people in Hong Kong and Macao to gain a deeper understanding of the remarkable achievements of the country’s manned space development.”

He added: “The Education and Youth Development Bureau of the Macao SAR Government will organise a delegation of teachers and students from Macao to take part in the ‘Tiangong Class’ in Hong Kong. By jointly participating in this national-level science popularisation and patriotic education activity, students from Hong Kong and Macao will experience their connection with the country’s scientific and technological development, ignite their passion for science, and cultivate a sense of patriotism.”

On the day of the event, live online broadcast of the “Tiangong Class” Hong Kong and Macao Designated Session will be arranged on the Information Services Department’s website (webcast.info.gov.hk), the news.gov.hk Facebook page, as well as the “A Shared Cosmic Vision for National Rejuvenation” thematic website (www.itib.gov.hk/zh-hk/payloadexpert). In addition, the Radio Television Hong Kong and other local television stations will also arrange live broadcasts, allowing all people in Hong Kong to witness this historic moment.

Brussels ETO hosts business seminar to foster I&T exchanges between Hong Kong and Ireland

The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Brussels (Brussels ETO), in partnership with Invest Hong Kong and Sandyford Business District in Dublin, Ireland, organised a business seminar entitled “Hong Kong: Where Innovative Companies Go to Grow” in Dublin on September 24 (Dublin time). The seminar was also supported by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council and Enterprise Ireland.

Bringing together over 40 participants, the business seminar explored Hong Kong’s role as an international business hub for Irish companies seeking to expand into the Asia-Pacific region and the Chinese Mainland market, with a focus on fintech and innovation and technology (I&T). The latest opportunities in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area were also a key topic of discussion.

In his opening remarks at the seminar, Assistant Representative of the Brussels ETO Mr Paul Leung noted the latest report by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), the WIPO Global Innovation Index 2026, which has once again ranked the Shenzhen-Hong Kong-Guangzhou innovation cluster first globally.

He highlighted key policy initiatives to promote I&T development in Hong Kong set out in the First Five-Year Plan for Economic and Social Development of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (2026-2030) (Hong Kong’s First Five-Year Plan) and the Chief Executive’s 2026 Policy Address to develop Hong Kong as an international I&T centre. These include pressing full steam ahead with the development of the three major I&T parks and enhancing Hong Kong’s I&T capabilities through five key research and development institutions.

“Over the years, Hong Kong has successfully built a vibrant start-up ecosystem, backed by world-class universities and research institutions, staunch government support, solid technology infrastructure, and a strong network of investors and innovation partners. The latest I&T development policy measures promulgated in Hong Kong’s First Five-Year Plan clearly demonstrate our commitment to investing in and supporting the sector in the years to come,” Mr Leung added.

In closing, he encouraged Irish companies to seize the opportunity to work with Hong Kong and shape the future of I&T together.